Today In History: September 4th

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On this day in Bahamian history on September 4th, 1971, Mark Knowles was born in New Providence. 

Knowles is a former tennis player and winner of three Men’s Doubles grand slam titles with Canadian Daniel Nestor (Australian 2002, US Open 2005 and Roland Garros 2007). 

He also won the Mixed Doubles Championship at Wimbledon with Anna-Lena Grönefeld of Germany in 2009. 

His career spanned twenty years, from 1992 to 2012. He has represented The Bahamas in Davis Cup as well as the Summer Olympic Games. Following his retirement, he moved into the role of commentator for The Tennis Channel and also as a coach. 

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On this day in Bahamian history on September 4th, 2001, Joan Sawyer became the first Bahamian woman President of the Appeals Court. She served in this rule until November 26th, 2010.

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On this day in Bahamian history also on September 4th, 2001, a fire engulfed the Nassau Straw Market on Bay Street on New Providence, completely destroying the structure, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism building and several other surrounding buildings.

The fire broke out around 3:30 p.m. in the market and spread quickly to the west on Bay Street before being contained.

The Straw Market, which has been around since the early 1930s and has been located in its current site since 1974, housed vendors selling straw hats, handbags and souvenirs from wooden stalls.

There were no reported injuries and a cause has not been determined.